Fire pit rules in Monroe County, NY — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Recreational fire pits using clean dry wood are generally permitted in Monroe County with proper clearances. Gas fire pits are typically exempt from burn permit requirements. Permanent structures may require a building permit.
Fire pits for recreational use are permitted in Monroe County and unincorporated areas subject to NY State Fire Code and Monroe County Sanitary Code conditions. Open wood-burning fire pits must use clean, dry, untreated wood only. The NYS Fire Code requires recreational fires to be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. Fires in approved containers (such as manufactured fire pits with screens) must be at least 15 feet from structures. An adult must supervise the fire at all times, a charged garden hose or equivalent water supply must be available, and no new material may be added after 10 PM. Burning trash, leaves, or treated materials in fire pits is prohibited. Gas fire pits (portable or permanent) are generally exempt from open-burn permit requirements but permanent installations may require a building permit from the local town.
Violations can be addressed by local fire departments, Monroe County Environmental Health, or town code enforcement.
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See how Monroe County's fire pit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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